Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Valencia

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Desperate to extend their buffer in the Champions League spots this weekend, Atletico Madrid will welcome Valencia to the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday night.

Atletico Madrid

Starting with the hosts, punching their Copa del Rey semi-final ticket last week as they secured a stunning 4-2 victory at home against bitter local rivals Real Madrid, Atletico will now be hoping to find some crucial domestic stability in 2024. In a real battle to clinch another top-four finish this season, Diego Simeone’s side can’t afford any more public slip-ups. However, although the former Spanish champions might have opened the New Year in the midst of a wobble, Los Colchoneros have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Last seen putting in a gritty performance away at Granada as they eventually snatched a 1-0 win, Atletico will be excited by their continued success on home soil. In fact, continuing on from last season, Simeone’s men have remarkably collected 55 points from their previous 16 La Liga showdowns at the Metropolitano Stadium – a run that stems all the way back over the past 11 months.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Atletico Madrid will be unable to call upon the duo of Thomas Lemar and veteran midfielder Vitolo on Sunday night. However, failing to punch an AFCON knockout stage ticket with Mozambique earlier in the week, 30-year-old defender Reinildo Mandava could make a first domestic appearance since December 23rd.

Forming what has been a lethal partnership this season and notching 24 combined La Liga strikes, the duo of Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata will spearhead Simeone’s charge this weekend. Not making a top-flight start since the end of August, Dutch international Memphis Depay will have to settle for a spot on the bench here.

Valencia

As for the visitors, while Valencia might have found themselves at the heart of another La Liga struggle last season, the Bats have made a string of improvements this time around. Riding what has been an extended wave of momentum and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Ruben Baraja’s men now have their sights set on booking a European return in 2024. Making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, Los Ches have won five of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions. Opening the New Year with a major statement of intent as they secured an eye-catching 3-1 romp against Villarreal, Valencia will also be excited by their continued success on the road. Last seen on their travels stormed to a 4-1 victory against Cadiz on January 14th, Sunday’s guests have won four of their previous five contests away from the Mestalla.

Team News

With Morocco punching their AFCON knockout stage ticket in midweek, Valencia will once again be unable to call upon 27-year-old midfielder Selim Amallah on Sunday night. Likewise, suffering a first half knock away at Athletic Bilbao last weekend, former Brentford star Sergi Canos is seen as a major doubt here.

Not making a single appearance since the start of October and still dealing with an extended muscle injury, Valencia will travel to the Spanish capital without Andre Almeida. Despite notching just one La Liga strike this season, Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk could be handed a full recall this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Atletico Madrid and Valencia met for their reverse La Liga showdown on September 16th, Los Ches collected a stunning 3-0 romp on home soil.
• However, Valencia have failed to muster a single La Liga victory in the Spanish capital since February 2011.
• Atletico Madrid have remarkably collected 55 points from their previous 16 La Liga showdowns at the Metropolitano Stadium.
• Valencia have won four of their last five domestic appearances away from the Mestalla.
• Atletico Madrid have collected just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last eight appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

While Atletico Madrid might hold a fearsome La Liga record on home soil, Simeone’s side should face a tricky test this weekend. With Valencia now setting their sights on a genuine European charge in 2024, Sunday’s guests have also won four of their previous five domestic appearances away from the Mestalla. Last seen on their travels claiming a rampant 4-1 victory against Cadiz, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair in the capital. In a contest that has a history of producing plenty of chances, we are backing both teams to get on the scoresheet here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet